The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) has embarked on an unprecedented nationwide talent hunt for its upcoming third season, casting a wider net than ever before. The league's selection committee, led by former cricketer Pravin Amre, has completed trials across a staggering 101 cities in India, nearly doubling its reach from previous years. This massive exercise follows a record-breaking 4.4 million (44 lakh) player registrations, signaling a massive surge in interest for the tennis-ball T10 format.
Democratizing Talent Search: From Metros to Small Towns
In a strategic shift to enhance accessibility, the ISPL decided to take the selection process directly to aspiring cricketers in their hometowns. Instead of expecting talent from smaller towns to travel to major hubs, a dedicated team of 32 selectors crisscrossed the country. The trials touched iconic metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, but also reached far into towns such as Rameswaram, Latur, and Satna.
Pravin Amre, the Head of the Selection Committee, highlighted the rationale behind this move. He pointed out that it was often challenging for talented players from remote areas to afford travel to big cities. "This year... we decided to make sure a selector can go there and reach there," Amre stated. He credited the selectors for their rigorous travel covering the expansive list of 101 cities.
The Rigorous Selection Process and Evolving Player Standards
From the millions of registrations, the process has been meticulously narrowed down. Amre explained that currently, about 850 boys have been shortlisted, with the final goal being to trim this list to 350 potential picks. Every aspect of the trial matches is being documented in detail. "Every 650 boys are recorded, their videos are recorded, each and every ball is recorded," he said. This extensive video library will be crucial for franchise owners, coaches, and selectors to evaluate players before the auction scheduled for December 9.
A significant evolution noted by Amre over the past two seasons is the heightened emphasis on physical fitness among players. The league has introduced specific fitness tests, including the SET Score, to evaluate agility and speed. "The boys are also aware that they have to go to the grind where not only the skill but the fitness will also matter," Amre observed. This is particularly critical for the high-intensity T10 format and with ISPL expanding squad sizes to 18 players, including two mandatory U-19 slots.
Beyond Skill: The Mental Game and Spotting Potential
While fitness is paramount, Amre believes the true differentiator is mental strength under pressure. "For any cricket… the skills are very critical. But more importantly, it is all about mental aspect also. Because it is all about how you perform under pressure," he emphasized. The trials were designed to simulate these high-pressure scenarios through specific challenges, like 12-ball batting drills.
Drawing from his vast scouting experience, which includes identifying stars like Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant for the IPL, Amre said the core principle remains trusting one's instinct about raw potential. "Bottom line is same… I am justifying a talent, an untapped talent… we back our gut feeling," he explained. He has noticed a positive shift in player mindset, with aspirants now arriving far more prepared and aware of selectors' expectations.
The diversity of participants this season has been remarkable, ranging from an 11-year-old prodigy to a player in his 40s who impressed the scouts. For the ISPL, skill trumps age. "40 and 11, the age is a number… we wanted to make sure like that skill has given a justice rather than the age," Amre remarked, underscoring the league's inclusive philosophy.
The third season of the Indian Street Premier League is set to be held in Surat from January 9 to February 6, 2026. With its ground-breaking talent search, the ISPL is steadily carving a niche as a vital platform for discovering and nurturing cricket talent from the grassroots of India.
